Sydney FC midfielder Scott Jamieson is putting old acquaintances out of mind as he prepares to take the field against his former club, Adelaide United FC, at the Sydney Football Stadium this Saturday night.
Sydney FC midfielder Scott Jamieson is putting old acquaintances out of mind as he prepares to take the field against his former club, Adelaide United FC, at the Sydney Football Stadium this Saturday night.
The former Bolton Wanderers trainee admits it may feel a bit weird when he shakes hands with his old teammates come match day, but the young left-footer is more focused on ensuring Sydney secure their elusive first three points of the season.
“I-ve got a lot of good mates [at Adelaide], not just teammates but good friends. But they are the opposition and I-m a Sydney FC player so there-s no mates anymore,” he said with a smile during training at Macquarie University on Thursday.
“I-m expecting a little bit of stick, but I-m going to take the emotion out of the occasion. I-m a Sydney player and this weekend is about the three points and not about friendship.”
Sydney have made an exciting but by no means ideal start to the season, currently the Blues share last spot on the ladder alongside Melbourne Heart after last weekend-s controversial draw against the Mariners.
“It-s been a disappointing start but there are a lot of positives to come from the game against Central Coast which we will be looking to build upon,” Jamieson said, adding that Adelaide United know they will be in for a tough game against a Sydney side with their backs against the wall.
“I know from being on the other side it was always a daunting task coming to Sydney. They will be on their toes, and they will certainly be on their game.”
Indeed, history shows that the Sky Blues have a distinct advantage over Adelaide at home, winning seven out of nine matchups at the SFS. Only two out of 17 matches between the two teams have ended in a draw.
Adelaide, however, are enjoying an undefeated campaign with two victories and two draws from their opening four games, leaving them nestled in second spot behind Perth Glory by a single goal-s difference.
“Last year Adelaide weren-t a bad team, they were just unfortunate with a few things. This year they have a new man in charge and the ball is bouncing their way. They-ve had a bit of luck and they are a very good side,” Jamieson said.
With history favouring Sydney and current form favouring Adelaide, Saturday night-s match is sure to be a cracker. Sydney will still be without key striker Alex Brosque and captain Terry McFlynn, but will be hoping the visa situation of new Brazilian import Bruno Cazarine will be sorted in time for him to take the pitch against United.
The Blues will also be boosted by the reinstatement of goalkeeper Liam Reddy, after the FFA rescinded the red card he received against Central Coast last weekend.
“We-re Sydney FC and we-re a dominant team in the A-League. It-s always going to be a good game against Adelaide. Our aim is three points and a good performance,” Jamieson concluded.
Sydney FC versus Adelaide United FC kicks off at 7.30pm this Saturday night at the Sydney Football Stadium.
